How to Paint an Aerospoke

Aerospoke is a brand of wheel that is typically used on fixed-gear bikes. Fixed-gear bikes are great for speed and are used in velodrome racing. There is also a huge subculture that uses fixed-gear bikes for road biking. It's popular to customize your fixed-gear bike to fit your personal style. Part of customizing your bike is painting your Aerospoke wheels to match the custom look of your fixed gear. With some painting supplies and some time, you can paint your Aerospokes for a customized look that will match your bike and lifestyle.

Things You'll Need

  • Chemical-resistant gloves
  • Safety goggles
  • Drop cloth
  • Aerosol paint remover
  • Steel wool
  • Bucket
  • Water
  • Sponge
  • Liquid soap
  • Metal spray paint
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put on your safety goggles and chemical-resistant gloves. Lay out the drop cloth in the area you will be working, making sure your floor and furniture is protected from your paint.

    • 2

      Set your Aerospoke wheel on the drop cloth and apply the aerosol paint remover. Hold the paint remover 3 to 4 inches away from the wheel and spray in a smooth circular motion until your entire wheel is covered in a light coat of remover. Let the paint remover sit on your wheel for the amount of time listed on the paint remover can, usually five to 10 minutes.

    • 3

      Rub the steel wool in a gentle, circular motion across the surface of your wheel to remove the paint. Be careful to not push down too hard because you will scratch the metal on your wheel. Your Aerospoke is now free of paint.

    • 4

      Fill your bucket with water to the halfway point. Add 15 drops of liquid soap to the water. Take your sponge, dip it in the water and wash the surface of your Aerospoke to remove any remaining dirt and paint. Let your Aerospoke dry for five to 10 minutes.

    • 5

      Apply your spray paint for metals, in a color of your choice, to your Aerospoke. Hold the spray paint 3 to 4 inches away from the wheel and spray in a smooth circular motion until your entire wheel is covered in an even coat of paint. Let the paint dry on your wheel for the amount of time listed on your spray-paint can, usually 30 minutes. Repeat this step two to three times for each coat of paint. You now have a painted Aerospoke that is ready to be shown off on your fixed-gear bike.